The Wild Aghoris

The hills of Mount Abu were then full of danger and still are in some places today. There were bears, wolves, leopards, tigers and uncivilised tribes, some of whom were part cannibal.

Once Sri Devpuriji had taken the form of a small boy and walking through these remote areas, he came to a cave where there lived four savages of the Aghori tribe. On seeing the strong boy, a wild joy arose in them as they anticipated a tasty meal.

Sri Devpuriji paused in front of their cave and feigning innocence, addressed the Aghoris.

"I have heard that you are peaceful and devout people, certainly you would be kind to a child."

But a scornful reply came from the men.

"Devout and good! Don't make us laugh. We will immediately catch you and eat you."

Sri Devpuriji, still in the form of a child, laughed at them and retorted, "You cannot catch me."

"Who do you think you are?" one angered Aghori cried. "You behave as if you are like God Rama?"

He lunged at the child and tried to grab him, but missed. The boy suddenly appeared on the opposite side of the cave and there was nothing childlike now in his gaze. Rather his eyes held an all-consuming and powerful expression.

"Yes, I am God. What do you have to say now?"

The Aghoris were astonished but they were not yet convinced. They decided to test the child.

"When the rocks, trees and mountains call the name of Lord Rama, then we shall believe you."

With this, Sri Devpuriji the boy turned and shouted a command, "Mountains, rocks and trees, let me hear the name of Lord Rama."

Three times the overwhelming voice of nature rang out with the call, "RAM, RAM, RAM!"

At this the Aghoris realized God had indeed manifested in this small child and had come to purify them of their sins. For this mercy they gratefully bowed to Paramyogeshwar Sri Devpuriji, who once again adopted his usual appearance and the Aghoris worshipped him as their Master.

He spoke severely to them.

"So many serious sins have you committed that you yourself have become sin! Your future is wrapped in darkness and your karmas are loaded with the tears and fears of those you have harmed. A human life is not permitted to be lived like this! You came to this world to do good for others and yourselves. Waste your lives no longer and begin fulfilling the purpose of your human birth. Live for the benefit of humanity and purify your karmas."

In their repentance the Aghoris could only say, "O God, what kind fate has led you to us today! None but you can show us the right path."

But Sri Devpuriji admonished them further.

"From today you will renounce your terrible customs, including killing your fellow man. You have thoroughly poisoned the atmosphere here, therefore leave this place immediately and retreat to the Ginar Mountains. There you will find an isolated cave which is holy and pure. Your future lies in this cave, where you shall practise sense withdrawal from the world and concentrate and meditate on the sacred syllable OM. Thus you will find inner peace."

Blessing them, he gave each one a mantra and revealed the meaning of OM. Then, with the use of laghimasiddhi[1], Sri Devpuriji left them.

The Aghoris faithfully followed his command. Repeating their mantra and forsaking their former habits, they became great and devout yogis.